“Playing in the domestic league in Australia was always an important career goal for me, and my experience here has been fulfilling from start to finish,” Cahill said.

It’s clear, the 38-year-old Socceroos superstar’s next move is most likely abroad.

The move is entirely motivated by Cahill to be match-fit for the 2018 World Cup, his fourth, which commences in June. Game-time up until May is key, having only averaged 14 minutes per game at City this season.

There's no doubt, most Australians want a fit and capable Cahill available to play in Russia, given his potential impact as shown by his brace against Syria. 

In this context, leaving City in early December did come as a surprise, given he cannot move to several leagues until January, but given his connections it’s likely he’s got something in the works.

So what are Cahill’s options?

MIDDLE EAST

UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s top flight leagues are the obvious choices in the Middle East, although the latter has seldom been home to Australians.

The UAE’s Arabian Gulf League (AGL) has been speculated as the likeliest of these destinations, although there’s nothing tangible at this point and no obvious link for Cahill with any ex-teammates playing/coaching there currently.

Cahill scored the winner against UAE in Abu Dhabi last year

However, Cahill was linked with a move to the UAE in 2012, before opting to head to the USA. UAE fans will know him well too, having netted the winner for Australia in their 2018 World Cup qualifier in Abu Dhabi in September last year, so we’ll focus on the AGL.

Arabian Gulf League

Pros:

-Transfer window opens next week

-AGL is in full swing now and runs up until April 29

-Convenience of regular flights to and from Dubai

Cons:

-The standard isn’t high but Mark Milligan, Mark Bresciano and Ryan McGowan have all recently retained their Socceroos status while playing there

-All 12 clubs currently have an AFC player listed

-It’s a short league season, although there’s multiple cup competitions

Will it happen: UAE ticks a lot of boxes. It’s just a matter of finding a club willing.

EAST ASIA

China, Korea and Japan’s top divisions loom as potential options, although it seems odd for Cahill to leave City now if that’s the case, as all have recently concluded their seasons.

Cahill has experience in China, spending 15 months with Shanghai Shenhua and Hangzhou Greentown although he didn’t set the world on fire. Prior to that, Chinese fans knew of him from his 2015 Asian Cup quarter-final heroics against them, which included a bicycle kick goal.

Ange Postecoglou’s name has been linked with Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos, whom the City Football Group (CFG) hold a 20 per cent stake. If Ange gets that gig, there’s scope Cahill, given his CFG’s links, could be an option. But that’s pure speculation. We’ll bundle all three together in this case.

 
Cahill enjoyed his time in Shanghai, pictured here at the Chinese F1 GP

CSL/J.League/K-League

Pros:

-J.League and K-League are regarded as the best standard in Asia, while CSL has attracted some big players and is improving

-Plenty of Australians have played there successfully and maintained their Socceroos status

-All three leagues will be in full swing for three months prior to the World Cup

Cons:

-All three leagues have just concluded and won’t re-commence until February or March

-Cahill won’t be permitted to join any club until January

Will it happen: You never know. Japan or China possible if a club fancies him.

UNITED STATES

Cahill spent almost three years in the USA with New York Red Bulls where he was a popular figure, helping his side to the 2013 MLS Supporters’ Shield and being named in the MLS Best XI that year.

But that’s a long time ago and the club have moved on. Cahill’s CFG links could possibly manufacture something at Red Bulls crosstown rivals New York City, but that seems a step above and he’d struggle for game-time now which is key to his move. The MLS doesn’t resume until March as well.

MLS

Pros:

-The standard is regarded well enough to maintain his Socceroos spot

-Will be in full swing for three months prior to the World Cup

Cons:

-Has just concluded and won’t re-commence until March

-Cahill won’t be permitted to join any club until January

-Geography. Getting to the USA from Australia and vice versa is long haul, meaning international travel will be taxing

Will it happen: Unlikely but plausible.

Cahill has plenty of friends in the USA

SOUTH-EAST ASIA

Hardly seems a genuine option but Thai League clubs have gone after big-name veterans before, such as Robbie Fowler after his A-League exit. The 2017 season wrapped up last month, but the 2018 campaign commences on February 9 and is jam-packed full of games.

Beyond the Thai League, the standard of most South-East Asian leagues would be questioned as suitable for a Socceroos hopeful. To the west the Indian Super League has attracted some big names, but is a bit of a gimmick, running from November to March and surely not suitable preparation for a World Cup.

Will it happen: Thailand maybe, but probably not the right fit.

EUROPE

It would be hard to believe the 38-year-old could head back to play on the continent after five years away.

He is highly regarded in England, particularly with ex-clubs Millwall and Everton but both are beyond him, with the former now competing in England’s Championship. He’s never played anywhere else in Europe except England either, which makes it tough.

Will it happen: Very, very, very unlikely

Cahill returning to his first professional club Millwall surely isn't an option

AUSTRALIA

Cahill’s comments make it sound like he’s moving on from the A-League. Been there, done that, seems the sentiment. There’s few A-League clubs who genuinely need him, except for arguably goal-shy Adelaide United, but could they afford him?

The Reds have this week lost number 10 import Karim Matmour which will free up a position and maybe some money to offer Cahill. The A-League regular season does finish in April, well before the World Cup.

Will it happen: Nope, unless he’s desperate and the FFA engineer it.